president obama lights the christmas tree. after that a ceremony marking the attack on pearl harbor. >> on thursday president obama and the first family participated in the 90th annual national christmas tree lighting ceremony. the tradition started with prest coolidge. this year's tree is a 23 foot tree. >> merry christmas, everybody. >> it's great to see you all. happy holidays. happy holidays to you mr. president. >> sit time? >> i think it's time. >> for the big button. let's count it down. >> i hope everybody is ready. we've got to do the count do you know. starting the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. [applause] ♪ ♪ >> merry christmas everybody. ♪ ♪ >> please welcome director of washington st. john's church. >> let us bow our heads in prayer. let us pray. gracious god who has blessed us with this good land for our heritage, we pray that we may always prove ourselves to be a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. we pray that you will save us from violence, discord and confusion, from pride, arrogance and fear of ea